Monday Evening

Greetings from Russia!

Thanks to Elya's brother, Vladimir and the use of his computer, we are able to post to the blog.

We weren't scheduled to begin work, but the playground equipment was ready to add a few of the swings that we brought along and the pavilion needed to be painted so we actually started the manual labor of our trip after lunch today.  Speaking of lunch...they are feeding us so well - everything is so delicious!  :)  In addition to the playground and pavilion, we are also helping with reinforcing the sandbox.   Elya's father and brother, as well as Victor, the gentleman whose home we are staying in have been working very hard and showing us how to help them with the construction.  Victor's wife is cooking and their daughters are helping.  We are having a good time even with the hard work.  We will post some pictures as soon as we can figure out why its not letting us.

We start VBS tomorrow but with a slight location change.  Instead of having it at the orphanage, we will be hosting it at the rehabilitation center.  We are all decorated and have everything ready.  We can't wait to see all the children!

Prayer Request:  When you travel to Russia, you have to register your visit within three days of arriving.  Olga told us that we may have an issue with registering in Soltsi and may have to stay in Norgorod and travel the 1 1/2 hours trip every morning.  Sergei, another pastor that is helping will go tomorrow and try to register us in Soltsi.  Please pray that we do not have any problems.

The team would like to post a few comments since its difficult to call:

Meredith:  Matt, Erica and Olivia, I love and miss you very much!!  

Ben:  Happy Birthday today Hayden! and Happy Birthday tomorrow Sean!!  To the rest of my family, Love You Guys...Russia is awesome!!  And Mom, I haven't hurt myself YET...

Stan:  I am doing surprisingly well with the Russian language - wasn't so sure how I'd do.

Stef:  I love and miss my family!  There are so many sights and smells that remind me of my home in WV: the iron water reminds me of my times at grandma's house and the sawdust reminds me of helping daddy in his workshop.

Stephanie:  Mom, Dad and Patrick, I love you Ya! (haha) By-the-way Pops, I found our first hockey player! :)

Amber:  Duck, duck, goose!  Butta, butta, wassa! (Arabic)  Utka, utka, goose! (Russian)

Amanda:  I LOVE RUSSIA!!!

Funny story:  Everyone seems to think that we'll loose several pounds since we're not eating between meals and we're working pretty hard but we're all pretty sure that Ben will pack on a few since he cleans everyone's plate!  We don't blame him...the food is wonderful!!

More tomorrow...we love you all!!

In Christ Alone,
Team Soltsi